Friday 7^th May – Andíkirion (V Windy)

38:22.559N 22:37.984E

Today we were up for 7am as we were thinking of moving on if the weather was fine; the winds were due to be quite strong out in the Gulf but the passage was downwind.  Unfortunately we were also up for 7am because it was blowing a hoolie and we needed to put another rope on to hold us in place on the quay side – no way were we going anywhere in this.

Pam and Andy on Grand Slam were due to leave Galaxidhi at the same time.  I called them to say we would be staying here for the time being and they reported that they had had very strong winds all night but now had nothing, so they would set off and see what it was like out in the Gulf and we would go out to join them if it blew through where we were.

When they got to the headland sitting between our positions, the wind built from a steady 20-25 knots to a cool 35 knots and the swell had increased.  They called to say that the planned passage was not looking a comfortable one and so they would head in to join us in Andíkirion.  By now there was no wind where we were, the sun was shining, and we were just considering setting off but decided to stay put.  There was still little wind as they arrived and rafted up beside us and we wondered if all the excitement was over.  But no, shortly after the wind filled in again with a vengeance.  The rest of the day we were all on watch as winds gusting up to gale force ripped through the port.  The highest average recorded on our instruments was 40 knots!  Fortunately we are in a sheltered spot and there was only a small fetch across the bay slapping into the stern of the boat. 

Sadly, the boat the eastside of the quay was not fairing so well; although it was on the leeward side and so sheltered from the wind, some swell was working its way in to where they were and they were being tossed around all over the place.  In the end they had had enough and went out to anchor.

This evening, just as we were preparing to leave the boats, having decided to go and eat in some peace and quite ashore, it suddenly calmed down J